Vision:  All APS scholars with exceptionalities will receive a continuum of services to thrive in an educational environment. 

Mission: To achieve a culture of belonging for all scholars with exceptionalities through collaboration and provision of specially designed services ensuring they are ready for college, career, and life.

Akron Public Schools provides high-quality, free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and related services to students with disabilities, ages 3-22. We offer a full continuum of services within the district, including both gifted and special education services and supports. Services are provided in accordance with each scholar’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Written Education Plan (WEP) and allow scholars to be taught alongside their peers to the maximum extent possible.

Every scholar is unique and has the right to an IEP that takes into account how their disability may impact access to the general education curriculum, which in turn impacts how the scholar achieves and progresses in school. A scholar’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to provide specially designed instruction and related services that will enable him/her to make meaningful educational progress. Regardless of the scholar’s identified disability or placement on the continuum, the IEP is designed to map out a unique educational pathway ultimately leading to post-secondary education, employment or enlistment.